Reg No: HIA670/20181

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

History

Syllabus
Research methods in cultural history
Course Code: HIA670
Course Title: Research methods in cultural history
Kulturhistorisk forskningsmetodik
Credits: 7.5
Degree Level: Master's level
Progressive Specialisation: Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements (A1F)

Major Field of Study:

HIA (History)

Course Approval
The syllabus was approved by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 2017-09-15, and is valid from
the Spring semester 2018 at Karlstad University.

Prerequisites
HIA610 Cultural Heritage and the Cultural Turn 7.5 ECTS cr, or equivalent

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. critically and systematically analyse, assess and handle cultural history sources and research,
2. critically and independently identify and formulate cultural history problems,
3. plan and complete advanced tasks in research, information handling and text production with
adequate methods within given time limits,
4. communicate research results, orally and in writing, in scholarly and popular science form, and
5. assess and discuss the ethical aspects of research and the potentials and limitations of the social
sciences.

Content
The course provides knowledge of cultural history research methodology. Students develop skills in
assessing, handling and using cultural history source material and in systematically describing and
assessing previous research, including identifying the ethical aspects of research and publishing and
analysing researchers' second-hand reports. Students practise presenting and discussing research,
orally and in writing, and are guided in writing academic and target group adapted texts and to give
others feedback on texts and presentations. Students are prepared for professions in which skills in text
production, information handling and source criticism are required, while provided the opportunity to
demonstrate the skills required for independent research or for tasks in other professional areas.
Reading List
See separate document.

Examination
Assessment is based on active participation in seminars and individual written and oral hand-in
assignments.

Grades
One of the grades Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U) is awarded in the examination of the course.

Quality Assurance
Follow-up relating to learning conditions and goal-fulfilment takes place both during and upon
completion of the course in order to ensure continuous improvement. Course evaluation is partly based
on student views and experiences obtained in accordance with current regulations and partly on other
data and documentation. Students will be informed of the result of the evaluation and of any measures
to be taken.

Course Certificate
A course certificate will be provided upon request.

Additional information
The local regulations for studies at the Bachelor and Master levels at Karlstad University stipulate the
obligations and rights of students and staff.